“Winds of Change” Usher in a New Season

“Winds of Change” Usher in a New Season

by | Mar 20, 2025 | News

Two people bid on items at the Portsmouth Historical Society silent auction.

Event attendees bid in the silent auction on a variety of items including overnight stays in Portsmouth, lifestyle packages, and more.

The Portsmouth Historical Society will launch an exciting new exhibition “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” with a preview party celebrating the artist’s groundbreaking work on Thursday, March 27 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Lyford is the visionary behind some of Portsmouth’s most iconic public art, like “My Mother, the Wind” on Four Tree Island. The exhibition will also dive deep into his innovative career and his commitment to advocacy.

This evening also features a silent auction with adventures and experiences donated by generous local merchants. Up for bid will be a Prescott Park Arts Festival Family Pass Membership, a magnum of fine wine, a private day trip and tour for 10 at Wood Island Life Saving Station, and a staycation at Sailmaker House paired with a Nichinan gift card.

Proceeds directly benefit the Historical Society’s vital programs such as the 3rd-grade history program bringing history into the classroom and inspiring the next generation; the community-driven Gingerbread Exhibition; as well as the preservation of the Historical Society’s historic properties.

The Historical Society Galleries and Museum Shop open for the season on Tuesday, April 1. The John Paul Jones House opens Memorial Day Weekend.

More information can be found at https://portsmouthhistory.org/event/lyford-preview/

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

Cabot Lyford Winds of Change Preview Party on Thursday, march 27 @ 5:30 pm
Opening Reception: “Contemporary Currents”

Opening Reception: “Contemporary Currents”

by | Feb 28, 2025

Upstairs with the Furniture Masters Reception: December 12, 5:30–7 pm at the Portsmouth Historical Society. Image of a handcrafted two-toned bench on the graphic

“Contemporary Currents” Opening Reception

Friday, April 4, 5–8 pm

Join Portsmouth Historical Society and the New Hampshire Art Association for the opening reception of Contemporary Currents during Art Round Town on Friday, April 4, from 5–8 PM. This dynamic exhibition explores themes of advocacy and experimentation in art, offering a contemporary response to Seacoast artist Cabot Lyford’s works on view in the adjoining gallery.
Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community. All works are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting local artists, Portsmouth Historical Society, and the New Hampshire Art Association. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of artistic innovation!

This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about "Contemporary Currents"
Browse and Buy Artwork

See what’s happening at the NHAA:

New Hampshire Art Association Logo

“Wind of Change” Curator Tour

“Wind of Change” Curator Tour

by | Feb 14, 2025

Stylized, granite statue of a woman leaning forward holding a child against a blue sky. Text reads: Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change Curator Tours. First Fridays at 12 & 5:30 pm. free

A behind-the-scenes look at our current exhibition

Walk through “Winds of Change,” a retrospective of the work of Cabot Lyford (1925–2016), with Guest Curator Rachel Walls. Learn how Lyford’s experimental approach to different materials and his advocacy of environmental and political issues through his art can resonate with viewers as much now as it did in the 20th century.

Finish your tour with a visit to the complementary, contemporary exhibition upstairs featuring a juried selection of NHAA artists.

Tours happen at 12:00 and 5:30 pm.
This is a free tour, no registration required.

Learn more about the exhibition

“Wind of Change” Curator Tour

“Winds of Change” Curator Tour

by | Feb 14, 2025

Stylized, granite statue of a woman leaning forward holding a child against a blue sky. Text reads: Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change Curator Tours. First Fridays at 12 & 5:30 pm. free

A behind-the-scenes look at our current exhibition

Walk through “Winds of Change,” a retrospective of the work of Cabot Lyford (1925–2016), with Guest Curator Rachel Walls. Learn how Lyford’s experimental approach to different materials and his advocacy of environmental and political issues through his art can resonate with viewers as much now as it did in the 20th century.

Finish your tour with a visit to the complementary, contemporary exhibition upstairs featuring a juried selection of NHAA artists.

Tours happen at 12:00 and 5:30 pm.
This is a free tour, no registration required.

Learn more about the exhibition

Winds of Change Preview Party and Silent Auction

Winds of Change Preview Party and Silent Auction

by | Jan 28, 2025

Black granite sculpture of a sperm whale rising out of the water.

Preview Party

Be among the first to experience our exciting new exhibition “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” and enjoy an exclusive preview of the artist’s groundbreaking work. Lyford is the visionary behind some of Portsmouth’s most iconic public art, like My Mother, The Wind on Four Tree Island, and in this exhibition, we’ll dive deep into his innovative career and his commitment to advocacy.

and Silent Auction

This evening also features a silent auction with incredible items, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Historical Society’s vital programs. Your participation helps fund initiatives like our beloved 3rd-grade history program, the community-driven Gingerbread Exhibition, and the preservation of our historic properties.

Join us for the opening of “Cabot Lyford: Winds Of Change”

Thank you to our exhibition sponsors

Dan Brown
Giving Fund

Sunpointe Investments
Bob Thoresen, in memory of Sue Thoresen

Thank you to our auction sponsor:

The Hotel Portsmouth